Metal-working machine.



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WITNESSES:

L. A. HAWTHORNE. METAL WORKING MACHINE. APPLICATION rlLED MAR. I3. 1914.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Patented Sept.' 25, 1917.

WIT/VESSES.'

L. A. HAWTHORNE. METAL WORKING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED MAR'. 1.3. 1.914.

Patented Sept. 25, 191?.-

WIT/VESSES.'

L. A. HAWTHORNE. METAL WORKING MACHINE.

I APPLICATION FILED MAR. I3. I9I4. 1,241,252'. Patented Sept. 25, 1917.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.'

L. A. HAWTHORNE. METAL WORKING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED MAR. I3. I9I4 1,241,252, y I f Pafentedsept. 25,1917.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

VEL u 50 iinler 55 ment of IT @TA LOUIS A. HAIVTIIORNE, OF NENARK, NEIN INCGR-PORATEE, A COI-? iena" amen.

METAL-WURKINCT MACHINE.

Specilication of Letters Patent.

1 atented Sept. 25, 1917.

Application 'filed March 13, 1914. Serial'iNo. 824,386.

To all 'whom t may concern lle it known that I, Louisl A.. HAWTHORNE, a. citizen of the llnited States, residing-at Newark, New .lersey, have made certain 5 Improvements inv Metal-llilorlrino Machines,

of which the following is aspecizfication.

The invention relates to n'iachines for perfcraing structural vshapes and the like for fabrication and more especially to distance io determining devices for properly feeding and locating the work with reference to perforating mechanisms.

Objects of the invention will be set forth hereinafter in part, and in part will be obvious herefrom, said objects being effected and realized by the instrumentalities and combinations set forth in the appended claims. l

rlhe invention consists in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and described.

The accompanying drawings referred to her-ein and forming a part hereof, illustrate one embodiment of the invention, and with the description serve to explain the principles thereof.

Of the drawings:- Figure 1 is a plan7 with parts in section and ivithparts bro/lien away, of a machine embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan, on an enlarged scale, of the distance determining device shown in the lower central part of Fig. 1;y

5 is au elevationlooking at Fig. 2 from the foot;

Fig. 4.- is a vertical transverse section on the line Eff-B of Fig. Q;

Fig. is a 'fragmentary isometric perspec-, 40 t'zve of sliding plates Fig. G is a and their stop keys or pins; l Aragmentary plan corresponding substantially to Fig. and 'showing additional parts at the upper end;

Figli a transverse section on the line C/D of Fig. Q;

Fig. 7 an enlarged fragmentary detail i ht hand part of Fig. 7 g

il plan of thel grooved cylaction of inches; and elevation looking at Fig. S

Fig. 9 is an illustratii. bv wav of nple one embodithc invention, the invention is a part of the mechanism showing the shown applied to a machine in -which the structural shape, or like work, is continuously `rictionally impelled forward, and is controlled in its travel and stopping by a distance determining device having connections which move with the work and are stopped in accordance with the settings of the distance determining device to properly position the work for perforation by the punching mechanism, although in many of its aspects the invention is applicable to other kinds of shape punching machines.

As embodied, the .shape m, shown as an I- beam, in Fig. 1, rests upon a substantially horizontal series of forwarding rollers 1. The rollers 1 are driven in a suitable manner and are shown'with their shafts Q mounted in bearings 3. Fixed on the shafts 2 are beveled gears 4, which gears mesh with corresponding-,bevel gears 5 mounted on and fixed to rotate with driving shafts G, the shafts G being supported in suitable bearings 7. In the illustrated form of machine, a shaft 6 is shown driving the rollers 1 on one side of the punching mechanism, and another shaft G drivingl the rollers 1 on the other side thereof. rlheshafts G are driven in a suitable manner, as bya gear train 8 from a motor 9. The motor 9 is suitably controlled asy to speed, started and stopped, either manually by the operator or automatically by different partsv or operations of the mechanism, or it may be controlled by an automatic device such as a strip. rThe motor 9 may be connected or arranged to start and stop the rolls 1 when the shapes@ is held at rest by connections from an automatic distance record device such as a perforated sheet. rlhe frames or housings for a plurality of punching mechanisms are indicated generally by reference numeral 10, and the location of one or more sets of punching devices are indicated generally by reference characters g/ and As embodied, the shape a; has cooperating therewith a head 15 against which the forward end of the shape abuts, permissive travel of head 15 determining the positioning of the shape relatively to the punches. Connected with the shape 15 is a longmember extending backward along the shape, and being preferably in the form of a bar 16. Said bar 1G is suitably supported in roller guides (not shown) and extends' back for the entire length of the shape rlh'e distance record' rack 16 is provided in the embodied form with a series of gear teeth 17 upon the upper face thereof. Meshing with the gear -an external thread 32.

teeth 17 is a pinion 18 upon a shaft 19 journaled in a bearing 20, the shaft 19 thus traveling proportionally to the shape or other work.

Settable devices representing distance denominations and distance values to control the rotation of the shaft 19, permitting the shafty to rotate, with a corresponding forward travel of the rack 16 and head 15, to permit the shape x to move forward the exact distance for which said settable means were setby the operator, or by a suitable automatic controlling device such as a perforated sheet or strip. As embodied, the shaft 19 is journaled in bushings 21 (Fig. 2) carried in bearings 22 at either end of a hollow cylindrical casing 23.

Said casing 23 is provided with an interior thread 24, extending substantially from one end to the Vother thereof. The casing 23 is longitudinally apertured, having substantially a quadrant of open space through which the connections between the interior and exterior mechanisms of the dis- .tance determining device pass and along which they travel. y

Within said casing 23, the shaft 19 has a square portion, or is otherwise shaped to carry parts or members rotatabletherewith but slidable thereon, said squared or like part being indicated by reference numeral 25. Mounted on said squared portion 25 is a nut 26 which fits interiorly said squared part 25, ywhereby the nut 26 rotates with the shaft 19 and is adapted also to slide thereon. The nut 26 has an external thread 27 meshing with the thread 24 upon the interior of the casing 23, the nut 26 traveling along shaft 19 and along and within casing 23 as the shaft 19 rotates. v Fixed to or integral with the nut 26, and extending toward is a sleeve 28,

externally of proper relation the parts mounted upon the sleeve 28, said stop device being shown as a collar 29 threaded onto the end of the sleeve. f

. Upon the sleeve 28 is journaled a cylindrical member 30 internally cylindrically apertured to rotate upon said sleeve 28. The cylinder 30 has inte ral therewith or .fixed theretoa sleeve 31 extending to the right in Fig. 2), which sleeve 31 embraces the sleeve 28. The'sleeve 31 is provided with The sleeve 31 is slightly spaced away from the collar 29 for a purpose hereinafter to be described. Encircling the thread 32 of the sleevel 31 is an coperate l u ably squared por ythread 32 of the sleeve 31. Connected to thev nut 33 is a neck piece 34, which extends outwardly through the longitudinally apertured portion of the cylinder 23.

Connected to the neck 34 of the nut 33 are a series of movable members, having according to certain features of the invention, translational movement with respect to each other, which members are controlled by settable devices, such as groups of keys, to movel desired distances, thereby effecting and controlling the progression and stopping of the shape with respect to the tool equipped means to properly position the shape to receive the perforations. As embodied, the neck 34 connects to a plate 40. (See Figs. 4 and 5,.) The plate 40 is slidsupported upon a bed 41 by suitable bearing surfaces 42 and 43. Mounted upon the plate 40 is a plate 44, carrying a group or series of keys 45, which in the embodied form may be regarded as the inch keys and as bein twelve in number.

The leys 45 are vertically reciprocable in 'apertures in the plate 44 and likewise in the Vpin is adapted to pass through the plate 40 into a slot in a plate orepart beneath. The keys 45 are provided with restoring springs 46 suitably coiled between the key heads and the plate 44. Locking means are provided to hold a set or depressed key in set position and to release it upon the setting or depressing of a subsequentjkey.

As embodied, the stems of the keys 45 are provided just beneath 'the plate 44 with conoidal enlargements 47, the large ends of said conoidal portions abutting yagainst the plate 44 and acting as stops when-the keys arein the retracted position,` as-shown in Figs. 4 and 7. Just below the loweror small end of the conoidal enlargements 47 is mounted a sliding plate 48 carried upon pins 49, and yieldingly held iny one direction by springs 50. The plate '48has openings 51 therein of a size just sufficient to permit the passing therethrough of the large end of the conoidal portions 47 ofthe keys of the group. The spring 50 urges the plate 48 toy one side, whereby the pins or keys 45 are at one side of the apertures 51'. When any key is depressed or set, the conoidal portion 47 thereof slides the plate 48 against the spring 50 until the conoidal portion 47 has passed through its aperture 51, whereupon the plate 48 is snapped back by the spring 50, and the plate acts as a stop just back of the large end of the conoidal part of the set pin..k .The set key is `thus held or locked in set position by the plate 48 until a new key is set. Upon the setting of a new key, the conoidal portion of such new key,

` spring in passing through its aperture 51 in the plate 48 moves the plate 48 against spring 50 in the saine way-as the preceding key, and causes the lirst key to'be released when its aperture l again comes into line or register with the conoidal portion on said key.

ln Figs. 7 and 7n a key 52 is provided which normally engages the next sliding plate beneath the one on which said key is mounted, Said key is yieldingly held vby a 53 in the position wherein it projrcts into an aperture in the plate beneath.

head of saidkey projects through a slot a plate 54 which has a camming surface 55,

and the plate 54 is impelled to the right by spring 56. The rapertures57 in plate 54 are on the opposite side from the corresponding aperture 51 in plate 48. Vhen a key 45 is depressed, theplate 54 is consequently slid to the left in Fig. 7a and the key v52 is cammed up out of engagement with the plate beneath, at the same time that the depressed key 45 enters its slot in the plate underneath. lVhen all keys 45 are retracted the key 52 is in locking position as shown. This device may be used also on an automatically operated keyboard., such as one operated electrically from a controlling strip or sheet.

Beneath the plate 40 is a plate 65, having sliding or translationalmovement, and provided with a key carrying plate 66, carried upon an enlarged end portion 67 thereof. In the key carrying plate 66 are mounted a series of keys 68, which in the embodied forni may stand for thefeet, or rather for the denomination of units of feet. Said keys 68 may be provided with locking and restoring devices, such as already have been described, and may be indicated by similar reference numerals. rPhe keys or pins 68 have reciprocation in suitable apertures in the key carrying plate 66 and in the plate 65, and the set keys are projected into slots in a suitable platebeneath the plate 65, the slots being proportioned to the numerical value of the corresponding key.

Underneath the plate 65 is a slidable plate 69, likewise having sliding or translational movement, and provided with an enlarged portion 70. Mounted reciprocably on said enlarged portion isa bank of keys 71, which keys are also reciprocably.carried in a plate 72. Said keys-may be similar in construction to those previously described and no further description at this pointwill be necessary; When one of the keys 71is set or depressed, it passes into a slot in a plate beneath the plate 69. ln the embodied form the bank or group of keys 7l is used fory the tens of feet.

Beneath the sliding plate 69 is a sliding plate 74. rllhe sliding plate 74 has an enlarged portion 75 extending upwardly in which are formed apertures for a key or keys 76. Said key or keys 76 are mounted in the plate 77 and may be of the same general construction as the keys previously described. The key or keys 76 coperate with one or more slots in a stationary plate 78 fixed upon the bed 79 of the frame of the machine.- The enlarged upwardly extending portions 67, 70 and 75 serve as stops respectively for the various plates to the right thereof in Fig. 5, as they are brought together for a new distance setting when the keysof a previous setting are restored or retracted, and also bring the differentbanks of keys to the same level.,

Referring more particularly to the slots in the various plates with which the keys carried bythe sliding plate thereabove cooperate, a. series of slots 80 are formed in the plate 65 into which slots the keys carried by the plates 40 and 44 may be selectively projected. Each slot 80 coperates with two of the keys in the plate 40, the position of the two keys along the slots effecting the difference in their setting or distance reading. The successive slots 60 will be of different lengths so as to give with the keys readings for the various inches over an integral foot. as may be required. In the plate 69 are formed a series of slots 8l (Figs. 5 and 6) coperating with the keys carried by the plate 80, and corresponding to the foot or feet settings. These slots are of varying lengths as may be required. Similar slots 82 are formed in the plate 74 to cooperate with the keys carried by the plate 69, same being used in the present embodiment for the tens of feet. Slots 83 are formed in the stationary plate 78 into which slots the key or keys 76 may be set or projected to determine the reading of the device for either of two or more punching mechanisms, such as ,1/ and e located at ditferent points longitudinally along the path of travel of the shape.

According to one feature of the invention the ultimate or final readings, which in this case would be fractions of an inch, are made upon the cylinderl 30, said settings or readings in the present embodiment being for sixteenths of an inch.

Means are therefore provided in the present embodiment for taking care of fractions of an inch and it is obvious that the same can be applied to other denominations, or sub-divisions or sub-multiples thereof. In such embodied form, the cylinder 33 has an extension fixed thereto or integral therewith, of arcuate form, extending upwardly along or across the opening in the casing 23 and contiguous to and about the cylinder 30. Said plate 90 carries keys which cooperate with grooves in the vcylinder 30, as hereinafter more `fully described. Above the plate 90 is mounted a similarly shaped plate 91, spaced kaway therefrom by one or more supports 92.

Mounted in apertures in the plates 90 and ralityy of grooves or slots ycorresponding to the'series of keys carried by the plate 90. Said slots or grooves are he ically arranged and of the same pitch as the internal thread 24 of the casing 23 and likewise ofv same pitch with the thread 32. Said grooves or slots are numbered respectively 101, 102,`

103 and 104. The four-keys of each enumerated series carried' bv the plate 90 cooperates with one of the grooves-in the cylinder 30 just described.

On the left hand face ofthe cylinder 30 (referred to Figs. 2, 8 and 9) there is v formed a series of crown teeth 105, which teeth are of the same pitch as the thread 24, the thread 32, and the grooves 101-104 corresponding series of crown teeth 106 is formed on the right hand face of the nut 27 (referred to Fig.2) facing' `and contiguous to the teeth 105. A suitable spring 107 lies in a groo-ve or grooves inthe faces of the nut 27 andy cylinder 30 to hold them apart except when pressed together by the action of the mechanism.

Suitable returning or restoring devices are provided for restoring or repositioning the mechanism between successive settings. As embodied, for the purpose of drawing' together the sliding plates, formed on plate 72, and has fixed thereto a rodf109 slidably supported in an apertured lug 110,' which lug is carried by a plate 40, the rod 109 extending through and beyond the lug 110.

ceive rods 112 and 113. Coiled about the rods 112 and 113 are springs 114 and 115, which springs operate to draw the various sliding platestogether after a setting has been made. A suitable spring 116 is Xed to the plate 40 and to the cylinder sleeve 31 to restore thecylinder 30.

The manner of operation of the mechanism just described, in addition to the statements already made, is substantially as follows;

The shape is impelled forward by the rollers 1 against the head 15. A distance setting is made of the desired distance of travel by setting the proper keys, as by way of example one of the keys or pins in the tens of feet series, also one in the feet series, together with one of the keys in the y inch series and one in the' sixteenths-of-aninch series. Themechanism may be constructedso that thefsetting of the pin rep-y a lug'108 is Upon the extended end of the rod 109 is fixed a cross-head 111, both ends of said cross-head being'apertured to reresenting the fraction of an inch will permit the mechanism to start into operation. AThe head 15 is thus permitted to travel, andV as -it travels the shaft 19 will be rotated through the rack 16 and pinion 18. y

As the shaft 19rotates, thenut 26 on the squared part 25'of the vshaft 19, will rotate with the shaft, and'alsov by reason of its thread 27 meshing with the internal thread 24v of the casing 23, said nutl 26 will travel toward the right (referred to Fig. `2) within the casing 23. The connected-,devices up to the collar 29 will also travel tothe right with the nut 27. -This includes and the plate 40 connected thereto. The plate 40 will slide along upon its bearings 42 and 43.

@ne of the keysv 45 carried by the plate 40 has been set for the requisite number of inches, and by its setting was projected into the corresponding slot 80 in the plate' 65. lVhen the key 45 reaches the end of its slot 80, the slide will `be started into movement and will then travel with the plate 40, and the nut 26, and intervening connected parts.

Correspondingly, the plate 69 will start into movement when the set key or pin 68 reaches the end o-f the corresponding or cooperating vslot 81 in the plate 69. In like manner, when the pin or key 71 which has been set reaches the end of the coperating slot 82, the plate 74 will start into movement. The movement of these various parts being proportional to the movement of the shape it will beseen that the head 15 has beenpermitted to move the distance for which the distance determining device was.v

set, and the shape x has been propelled forward by the rollers 1 the same required distance. The key or keys 76 may be set in the nut 33 coperation with the slots 83, to give a furv ther movement relatively 78 to compensate lfor the tion of one or the other nism.

Referring to the setting for the fraction of an inch, the cylinder 30 at this time is held from lineal travel along the shaft 19 except as it may also be rotated, and thus to the fixed plate difference in posipunching mechamove relatively to the nut 33, which nut 33 is connected by the neck 34 to plate 40, said plate and the othersliding plates having the settable key and slot connections, said plates having reached the limit of their travel for the particular setting. The rotation of the ycylinder 30, however, through the engagement vof its thread on the sleeve 31 with the internally threaded nut 33, will permit of suiiicient additional translational travel to give the requisite fractional setting or positioning of the work.

When anyone of thev keys or pins of either of the series 95, 96, 97 or 98 has been projected into they corresponding groove or Slot 101, 102, 103 01- 10i, (See rigs. 2, s', 6,

S and 9) the nut 26 and cylinder 30 are thus free to travel untilv the set pin reachesl der 30 will be-rotational as well as translational, by reason of the engagement of the crown teeth 105 and 106, and will measure from the last integral inch setting. As the nut 26 rotates fart-her, its teeth 106 pass into line angularly and then into mesh or contact with the teeth 105 on cylinder 30,

through the yielding of the spring 107. As cylinder 30 turns, its sleeve 32 screws into nut 33 and thus allows for the necessary advance of the nut 26 which has its thread 27 the casing y23.' There is a corresponding rotation of the shaft 19 and consequently a corresponding travel of the head 15 and shape for the set fraction of an inch.

The various set keys may be released or resto-red in a suitable manner, as by the setting of a Zero ley, or the plate 1S for each group or bank of keys may be manually slid or actuated by its up-turned end 116. Successive settings may be made for the desired distances as the shape` progresses along, the restoring spring restoring the slides between or after the successive settings, as will be clearly understood witho-ut further description.

Vhen the punching of a particular or beam is completed, thehead 15 and rack 16, and the various parts of the distance determining device are restored to exact starting position. 'Inthe embodied'form of a motor'7 120 is conbe voperated automati- Said motor 1Q@ may device, such as cally from a distance record a perforated sheet or strip,

circuit controlling a magnetic switch or other' starting device, and it will be understood that vario-us additional controls and connections may be supplied as found necessary, and if desired controls or connec-l tions of the general form and type shown in application Serial Theodore P. Payne, filed Jany. 26, 19141, may be employed. l

The operation of the other devices shown or referred to will be understood without further explanation or description except as hereinbefore given.

From all the foregoing it will be understood that a machine is provided embodying and realizing the stated objects and advantages of invention, together with other objects and advantages. It will be also understood that changes may be made from the illustrated and described form of mechanism within the scope of the accompanying meshing with the thread 24 ofv shape by a suitable` Number 811,380 of claims without departing from the principles of the invention and without sacriiic'ing its'chief'objects and advantages.

lfilhat l claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punchingl means, and means vfor successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a pluralityof members representing distance denominations and being -movable relatively to each other, connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportionate to the travel of the shape, and devices for distributing the total movement ofA all said members between the various members, to control the travel vand stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

2. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and being movable relatively to each other, connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportionate to the travel of the shape, and devices for distributing the total movement of all saidmembers between the various members, to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means, and means for restoring` portionate to the travel of the shape, selec` tively settable devices for distributing the totalmovement of all said members between the various members, to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively tc said punching means, and means for restoring said relatively movable members preparatory to a new setting.

4. A machine for punching` structural shapes including rin combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance de-` nominations and being movable relatively to each other, connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportionate to the travel of the shape, and dcvices mounted upon said relatively movable members for distributing the total movement of all said members. between the various members, to. control the travel'and .stoppingof said" shape relatively to said punching means.

'5. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressingand. stopping a shape in proper positions tobe punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and being movable relatively to each other, lconnections for causing said members to have a total movementI propor-` tionate to the travel of the shape, and selectively settable devices mounted upon said relatively movable members'for distributing the total movement of all said members between the various members, to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means and means for restoring said relatively movable members preparatory to a new setting.

6. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and being movable relatively to each other, connections for causing said` members to have a total movement proportionate to the travel of the shape, and devices representing` distance values for dis` tributing the total movement of all said members between the various members, tok

control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching .means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and being movable relatively to each other, connections for .causing said members to have a total movement proportionate to the travel of the shape, selectively settable devices representing distance values for distributing the total movement of all said members between the various'members,

-to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to` said punching' means, and means for restoring said relatively movable members preparatory to anew setting.

.8. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to bepunched, said means including a plurality of membersrepresenting distance denominations-and being movable relatively to each other, connections for causing' said members to have a total movement pro.

poi-tionate to the travel of the shape, and

devicesy for distributing the total movement of all saidv members between the various members, to `control the travel and stoppingk 9. A machine. for. punching structural shapes includingv in combination punching means, and means for successively progress,-

iiig and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing vdistance de-v nominations and being movable relatively to each other, connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportionate to the travel Vof the shape, selectively settable devices for distributing the total movement of all said membersv between the various members, to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said` punching means, and automatiomeans for restoring said relatively movable members preparatory to a new setting.

10. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positionsto be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and being movable relatively to eachother, connections forcausing said members to have al total movement proportionate to the travel of the shape, selectively settable devices for distributing the total i said members between the various members, to control the traveland stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means, and spring means for restoring said preparatory to a new setting.

11. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combina-tion punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions movement of all to be punched, said means includingy a plurality of members representing distance denominationsand being movable relatively to each other, yconnections for causing said members to have a total movement proportionateto the travel of the shape, and selectively settable? devices mounted upon said relatively movable members for distributing the total movement of all said members between tlie various members, to control thc travel and ,stopping of said shape relatively to'said punching means and spring means for restoring said relatively movable members preparatory to a new setting.

l2. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination `punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominationsand `being movable relatively to each other, connections for causing Asaid relatively movable members men'ibeis to have a total movement proportionate to the Itravel oi the shape, and selectively setuible devices. mounted upon said relatively movable members for distributing the total movement of all said members between the various members, to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means and 'automatic means ter restoring said relatively movable members preparatory to a new setting.

i3. A machine tor l punching structura shapes including in combination punchin means, and means tor successively progres,- ing and stopping a shape in Aproper positionsto be punched, said meanslincluding a plurality of members representing tistance denominations and being n'iovable rell atively to each other, connections 'for causing said members to have a total movement proportionate to the travel ot the shape, solectively settable devices representing distance values for distributing the total movement' of all said members between the various members, to control tlhe travel and stopping ot said shape relatively to said punching means, and automatic means for restoring said relatively movable members preparatory to a new sett-ing.

le. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said meausincluding a plurality of members representing distance denominations and having translational movement relatively to each other, connections for causing said members to have a totalinovement proportionate to the travel of the shape, and devices for distributing the total movement oit' all said members between the various members, to control the travel and stopping oi' 'said shape relatively to said punching means.

l5. A machinev for punching structural shapes including in combination punchingl means, and means for successively progress` ing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and'having translational movement relatively to each other, connections tor causing said members to have a total movement proportionate to the travel ofthe shape,

devices toi-.distributing the total movement f of all said members lbetween vthe various members, to control the travel and stopping ot said shape relatively to said punching means, and means for restoring said relativelymovable members.

1 6. A. vmachine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means tor successively progressing an d stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance de- `iiiembers preparatory to a new setting.

` tions to ybe, punched, ksaid means including nominations and having translational movement relatively to each other, connectionsl means, and means tor successively progressin g and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality' of members representing distance denominations and having translational movement relatively to each other, connections Afor causing said members to have a total move'- nieiit proportionate to the travel of the shape, selectively settable devices for distributing the total movement of all said members between the various members, to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means, and means for restoring said relatively movable 18. A machine. for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality ot members representing distance dcnomi'nations and having translational movement relatively to each other, connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportionate to the travel of the shape, devices tor distributing the total movement of all said members between the various members, to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said pmiching means, and automatic means for restoring said ,relatively movable members.

19. fr machine' for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and 'stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality ot members representing distance denominations and having translational movement relatively to leach other, connections for causing said vmembers tol have a' total movement proportionate to the travel of the shape, selectively settable devices for distributing the total movement ot all said members between the various members, to control the travel and stopping ot said shape relatively to said punching` means, and automatic means for restoringsaid relf atively movable members preparatory to a new setting.

2O, A machine for punching vstructural shapes including yin combination punching means, and means ,tor successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper posimeans,'and means for successively progressf ing and stopping a shape in proper positions to vbe punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and having translational movement relatively to each other, connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportionate to the travel of the shape, and devices mounted upon said relatively movable; members for distributing the total movement of all said members between the various members, to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

22. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping'a shape in proper positions to'be punched, said means includinga plurality of members representing distance denominations and having translational movement relatively to each other, connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportionate to the travel of the 5 shape, and selectively settable devices mounted upon said relatively movable members for distributing the total movement of all said members between the various members, to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

y23. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper posit-ions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and having translational movement relatively to each other, connections forcausing said members to .have a total movement proportionate to the travel of the shape, selectively settable devices mounted upon said relatively movable members for distributing the total movement of all said members between the various members, to

. control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means, and means for restoring said relatively movable membersl preparatory to a new setting.

24. A machine for punching structural l. shapes .including in'combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members presenting ,distance denominations and having translational movement relatively to each other, connections y shapes including in combination punching' means, and means for successivelyprogressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and having translational movement relatively to each other, connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportionate to the travel of the shape, selectively settable means representing distance values for distributing the total movement of all said members between the various members, to control the travel and stopping of said shape and means for restoring said relatively movable memberspreparatory to a new setting.

26. vA machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively-progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be'punched, said means including a plurality'of members representingv distance denominations and having translational movement relatively to each other, connections for causing saidvmembers to have a total movement proportionate to the travel of the shape, selectively settable means represent-y ing distance values for distributing the total movement of all said members between the various members, to control the travel and:

stopping of said shape automatically operating spring means for restoring said relatively movable members preparatory to a new setting. v

27. A machine for punching structural shapes includingin combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and being movable relatively to each other, connections for causing said members to have a total movement propor-` tionate to the travel of the shape, and devices forcausingsaid members to move together or relatively to each other, to distribute the total movement between the various members to control the travel and stopping of said `shape relative to saidpunching means.

iio

28. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and being movable relatively to each other, connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportionate to the travel of the shape, selectivelyv settable devices for causing said members to move together or relatively to each other to distribute the total movement between the various members to control the travel Aand stoppingr of said shape relatively to said punchingv means, and means for restoring said relatively movable members preparatory to a new setting.

29. A machine for punching structural shapes includingin combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and to each other, connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportionate to the travel of the shape, and devices representing distance values or causing said members to move together or relatively to each other to distribute the total movement between the various members to control .the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

30.' A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and'means for successively progressing and stopping to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and being movable relatively to each other, connections for causing said members to have: a total movement proportionate to the travel of the shape, and selectively settable devices representing distance values for causing said members to haver a total movement proportionate to the travel of the shape, and selectively settable devices representing distance values for causing said members to move together or relatively to each other to distribute the total movement between the various members to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

3l. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape iii proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and being movable relatively to each other, connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportionate to the travel of the shape, and devices representing distance values for causbeing movable relatively a shape in proper positions ing said members to move together or relatively to each other to distribute the total movement between the various members to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means, and means for restoring said relatively movable members preparatory to a new setting.

A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and being movable relatively to each other, connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportionate to the travel ot the shape, selectively settable devices representing distance values for causing said members to move together or relatively to each other to distribute the total movement between the various menibers to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means, and automatic means for restoring said relatively movable members preparatory to a new setting.

33. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper' positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and being movable relatively to each other, connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportionate to'the travel of the shape, and selectively settable devices carried upon said relatively movable members for causing said members to move together' or relatively to each other to distribute the total movement between the various members to control the travel and stopping orF said shape relatively to said punching means.

34. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and having translational movement relatively to each other, connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportionate to the travel of the shape, and devices for causing said members to move translationally together or relatively to each other to distribute the total movement between tlie various members tocontrol the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said` punching means.

35. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressingand stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plu'- rality of members representing distance denominations and lhaving translational movement relatively to each other, connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportionate to the travel ofthe shape, and selectively settable devices for causing said members to move translationally together or relatively to each other to distribute-the total movement between the various members'to contiol the travel and` stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

36. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to he punched, said means including a plurality of members representing' distance denominations and having translational movement relativel to each other connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportionate to the travel of the shape, selectively settable devices for causing said. members to move translationally together or relatively to each other to distribute the total movement between the various members to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means, and means for restoring said relatively movable members preparatory to a new setting.

37. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and having translational movement relatively to each other, connectionsfor causing said members to havefa, total movement proportionate to the travel l of the shape, and devices representing distancev values for causing said members to move translationally together or relatively to each other to distribute the total movement between thevarious members to control-the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

38. A machine for punching structural shapes vincluding in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and having translational movement relatively to each other,

connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportionate to the i travel of the shape, and devices carried upon said relativelyinovable members for causing said members to move translationally together or relatively to each other to distribute the total movement between the various members to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

translationally together or relatively to each other to distribute the total movement between the various members to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

40. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape inv proper positions to be punched, said means including ka plurality of members representing distance denominations and being movable relatively to each other, connections for causing said members to, have a total movement proportional to the travel of the shape, and devices carried by said relatively movable members for engaging other of said relatively movable members to cause them to travel together to control the travel and stopping of the shape relatively to said punching means.

41. A machine for punching structural shapes including-in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shapel in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and being movable relatively to each other, connections tor causing. said members to have fi total movement proportional to the travel of the shape, and selectively settable devices carried by said relatively movable members tor engaging other of said relatively movable members to cause them to travel together to control the travel and stopping of the shape relatively to said punching means.

. 42. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing dist-aiice denominations and being movable relatively to each other, connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportional to the travel of the shape, and devices representing distance values carried by said relatively movable members to cause them to travel together to control the travel and stopping of the shape relatively to said punching means.

a3. A machine for punching structural `shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched` said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and having translational movement with respect to each other, connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportional to the travel of the shape, and devices carried by said relatively movable members for engaging otherl ot said relatively movable members to cause them to travel together to control the travel and stopping ot the shape relatively to said punching means.

el. A machine for punching structural. shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and having translational movement with respect to each other, connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportional to the travel of the shape, and selectively settable devices carried by said relatively7 movable members for engaging other ot said relatively movable members to cause them to travel together to control the travel and stopping o't' the shape relatively to said punching means.

l5. A machine for punching` structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality ot members representing distance denominations and having translational movement ivith respect to--each other, connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportional to the travel ot' the shape, and devices representing distance values carried by said relatively movable members for engaging other of said relatively movable members to cause them to travel together to control the travel and stopping of the shape relatively to said punching means.

flu, machine Jfor punching structural shapes including in combination punchingv means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members .representing distance denominations and having translational movement with respect to each other, connections for causiug'said members to have a total iovement proportional to the travel ot the shape` and selective settable devices representing distance values carried by said relatively movable members for engaging other ot said relatively movable members to cause them to travel together to control the travel and stopping of the shape, relatively to said punching means.

el?. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality ot members representing distance denominations and having translational movement With respect to each other, connections for causing said members to have a totalv movement proportional to the travel ot the shape, selectively settable devices carried by said relatively movable members tor engaging other ot said relatively movable members to cause them to travel together to control the travel and stopping ot' the shape relatively to said punching means, and automatic means :for restoring said movable members preparatory to a nevv setting.

-Lt8. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and being movable relatively to each other, connections tor causing said members to have a total movement proportional to the travel of the shape, a series of keys carried upon one of said members, and slots being formed in an adjacent movable member into which said keys are projectable to cause said members to travel together to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

it-9. A machine tor punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality ct members representing distance denominations and being movable relatively to each other, connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportional to the travel of the shape, a series of keys representing distance values carried upon one of said members, and slots beingv formed in an adjacent movable member into which said keys are proyectable to cause said members to travel together to control the travel and stopping of said shape realtively to said punching means.

50. A. machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and being movable relatively to each other, connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportional to the travel ot' the shape, a series of keys, said series representing a distance denomination and the various keys of the series representing distance values, said keys being carried upon one of said members,

and slots being formed in an adjacent movable member into which said keys are projectable to cause said members to travel together to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

5l. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and having translational movement relatively to each other, connections foicausing said members to have a total movement proportional to the travel of the sheet, a series of keys carried upon one of said members and slots formed in an adjacent movable member into which said keys are projectable to cause said members to travel together translationally to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

52. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and having translational movement relatively to each other, connections for causing said members to have a total movement proportional to the travel of the sheet, a series of keys carried upon one of said members and slots formed in an adjacent movable member into which said keys are projectable to cause said members to travel together translationally to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means, and automatic means for restoring said relatively movable members preparatory to a new setting of said keys.

53. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stoppinga 4shape in proper position to be punched, a series of relatively movable plates, connections for causing said plates to have a total movement proportional to the travel of the shape, and devices for distributing the total movement of said plates between the various plates, to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

54. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, a series of relatively movable plates, connections for causing said plates to have a total movement proportional to the travel of the shape, and devices representing distance values for distributing the total movement of said plates between the various plates to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

55. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, a seriesy of plates having translational movement with respect to each other, connections for causing said plates to have a total movement proportional to the travel of the shape and devices for distributing the total translational movement of said plates between the various plates, to control the travel and stopping o the shape relatively to said punching means.

56. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means,.and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, a series of plates having translational movement with respect to each other, connections for causing said plates to have a total movement proportional to the travel or' the shape and devices representing distance values for distributing the total translational movementof said plates between the vari/ous plates, to control the travel and stopping of the shape relatively to said punching means.

57. A machine 'for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, a series of plates having translational movement with respect to each other, connectionsl for causing said plates to have a total movement proportional to the travel of the shape, selectively settable devices for distributing the total translational movement of said plates between the various plates, to control the travel and stopping of the shape relatively to said punching means, and means for restoring said plates pre- 1.10 paratory to a new setting of said settable devices.

58. A machine for punching'v structural shapes, including in combination punching means, and means for successively progress- 115 ing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, a series of plates arranged face to face and being relatively movable, connections for causing said plates to have a total movement proportional to the travel of the shape, and devices for distributing the total movement of said plates between the various plates, to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

59. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively'progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, a series of plates arranged'l face to face and being relatively movable,

connections for causing said-plates to have a total movement proportional to the travel ot' the shape, and selectively settable y'devices representing distance values=tor distributing the total movement of said plates between the variousA pla-tes, to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

I60. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progress- I ing and stopping a shape in proper positions t'o be punched, a series of plates arranged face to face and having translational movement with respect to each other, -connections for causing said plates to have a total movement proportional to the travel of the shape, and devices for distributing the total movement of said plates between the various plates to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

6l. A machine for punching lstructural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, a series of platesr arranged face to face and having translational movement with respect to each other, connections for causing said plates to have a total movement proportional to the travel of the shape, and selectively settable devices for distributing the total movement of said plates between the various plates te control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

62. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, a series of plates arranged face to face and having translational move- Vment with respect to each other, connections for causing said plates to have a total movement proportional to the travel of the shape, and selectively settable devices representing distance values for distributing the total movement of said plates between the various plates to control the travel and stopping of'- said shape relatively to said punching other of said plates to control the travel and stopping of said shape `relatively to said punching means,

64. A machine for punching structural means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, a series of plates arranged tace to face land being relatively movable, connections for causing'said plates to have a total Amovement proportional to the travel vof the shape, a series of keys, said series ot keys representing a distance denominationy and the individual keys representing distance values in said denomination, said keys being carried upon one of said plates and adapted to engage another of said plates to'control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

65. A machine for punching structural shapes' including in combination punching` means, and means for successively progressing and stoppinga shape in proper positions to be punched, a se-ries of plates representing respective distance denominations, and being arranged face to face and being relatively movable, connections for causing said plates to have a total movement proportional to the travel of the shape, series of keys carried upon one of said plates and adapted to engage another of said plates to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching` means.

66. Av machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, a series of plates arranged face to face and being relatively movable, connections for causing said plates to have a total movement proportional to the travel of the shape, a series of keys carried upon one of said plates and adapted to engage another of said platesto control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means, and means for restoring said .plates lpreparatory to a new setting of said keys,

67. A machine for punching structural shapes' including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a plurality of members representing distance denominations and being movable relatively to each other, connections comprising a shaft rotating proportionately to the travel of the shape for causing said members to have a total movement proportionate to the travel of the shape, and devices for distributing the total movement of all said members between the various members, to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

68. A machine for punching structural shapes including'in combination punching means,- and means Jfor successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including al plurality of members representing distance denominations and being movable relatively of the shape, and devices for causing said members to move together or relatively to each other to distribute the total movement between the various members to control the travel and stopping ofI said shape relatively to said punching means.

69. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to `be punched, said means includinga plurality of members representing distance denominations and being movable relatively to each other, connections comprising a shaft rotating proportionately to the travel of the sha-pe for causing said members to have a total movement proportional to the travel of the shape, and devices carried by said relatively movable members for engaging other of said relatively movable members to cause them to travel together to control the travel and stopping of the shape relatively to said punching means. y

70. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, said means including a pluality of members representing distance denominations and being movable relatively to each other, connections comprising a shaft rotating proportionately to the travel of the shape for causing said members to have a total movement proportional to the travel of the shape, a series of keys carried upon one of said members and slots being formed in an adjacent movable member into which said keys are projectable to cause said vmembers to travel together to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively -to said punching means. c

7l. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressing and stopping a shape in proper positions to be punched, a series of relatively movable plates, connections comprising a shaft rotating proportionately to the travel-of the shape, for causing said plates to have a total movement proportional to the travel of the shape, and devices for distributingy the total movement of said plates between the various plates, to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

72. A machine for punching .structural shapes 4including in combination punching means, and means forsucc'essively progressing and stopping a shapein proper positions to be'punched, a series of plates arranged face to face and being` relatively movable,

connections comprising a shaft rotating proportionately to th-e travel of the shape, for causing said plates to have a total movement proportional to the travel of the shape, and devices for distributing the total movement of said plates between the various plates, to

control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

73. -A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination punching means, and means for successively progressof said plates between the various plates to control the travel and stopping of said shape relatively to said punching means.

74. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination means for traveling a 'shape along a substantially horizontal pathway, a member in engagement with and extending along the shape and traveling therewith, a rotating shaft connected directlyl to said member. to rotate proportionately to the travel of said member, a nut rotating with said shaft and having an external thread, a casing extending along said shaft and having an, internal thread engaging the external thread in said nut, a plurality of slidable plates superimposed one upon another, some of said plates having slots therein of various lengths, groups of keys representing distance denominations and values` the group of keys for a particular distance denomination being carried by 4one slidable plate, and another such group being carried by another of said plates, the various keys in a group being settable to represent numerical values of said distance denominations and being ythereby projected into a slot in an adjacent plate to determine the distance of travel of said plate and nut.

75. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination means for traveling a shape along a substantially hori- Zontal pathway, a head engaging the forward end of said shape, a rack fixed to said head and extending along said shape, a shaft and a pinion thereon engaging said rack, a nut slidable along but rotating with said shaft and having an external thread, a casing extending along said shaft and having an internal thread engaging the external thread on said nut, a slidable plate connected to said nut to travel longitudinally therewith, a group of keys carried by said plate and representing a distance denomination and values therein, a plurality of slidable plates, each of said plates having a plurality of slots therein of various lengths, said plates being in superimposition with said first mentioned plate, groups of keys carried by said plates, the keys on one plate being settablc to engage the slots on a next adjacent plate, and a stationary slotted plate cooperating with the last of said superimposed, key-equipped plates.

76. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination means for traveling a shape along a substantially horir/ontal pathway, ahead engaging the forward end of said'shape,V a rack fixed to said head and extending along said shape, a shaft and a pinion thereon engaging said rack, a nut slidable along and rotating with said shaft and having an external thread, a casing extending along said shaft and having an internal thread engaging the external thread on said nut, a slidable plate connected to said nut to travel longitudinally therewith, a group of keys carried by said plate and representing a distance denomination and value therein, a plurality of slidable plates, each of said plates having a plurality of slots therein of various lengths, said plates being in superimposition with said first mentioned plate, groups of keys carried by said plates, the keys of one plate being settable to engage the slots on a next adjacent plate, and a stationary slotted plate cooperating with the last of said superimposed, key-equipped plates and means operating automatically to restore said plates preparatory7 to a new setting of the keys.

77. A- machine for punching structural shapes including in combination means for traveling a shape along a substantially horizontal pathway, a head engaging the forward end of said shape, a rack fixed to said head and extending along said shape, a shaft and a pinion thereon engaging said rack, a nut slidable along but rotating with said shaft and having an external thread, a casing extending along said shaft and having an internal thread engaging the external thread on said nut, a sleeve fixed to said nut and embracing said shaft, a cylinder rotatably mounted on said sleeve, helical slots in the exterior of said cylinder, said cylinder having an extension provided with an external screw thread, said cylinder and said nut having each crown teeth adapted to engage each other, means yieldingly holding said teeth out of engagement with each other, a member encircling said externally threaded portion of said cylinder and having an internal screw thread engaging said externally threaded portion of said cylinder, and a slidable plate vfixed with respect to said encircling member and traveling therewith, a group of keys mounted on said plate and corresponding to distance values, a plate adjacent to said slidable plate and having` a plurality of key-receiving slots therein of various lengths corresponding to the same distance values of said keys.

7S. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination means for traveling a shape along a substantially horizontal pathway, a head engaging the forward end of said shape, a rack fixed to said head and extending along said shape, a shaft and a pinion thereon engaging said rack, a nut slidable along but rotating with said shaft and having an external thread, a casing extending along said shaft and having an internal thread enga-ging the external thread onsaid nut, a sleeve fixed to said nut andembracing said shaft, a cy linder rotatably mounted on said sleeve, helical slots in the exterior of said cylinder, said cylinder having an extension provided with an external screw thread, said cylinder and said nut having each crown teeth adapted to engage each other, means yieldingly holding said teeth out of engagement with each other, a member encircling said externally threaded portion of said cylinder and having an internal screw thread engaging said externally threaded portion of said cylinder, and a slidable plate fixed with respect to said encircling member and traveling therewith, a group of keys mounted on lsaid plate and corresponding to distance values, a plate adjacent to said slidable plate and having a plurality of key-receiving slots therein of various lengths corresponding to the same distance values of said keys, means for restoring said plates with respect t-o each other after the keys of a setting are withdrawn.

79. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination a rack traveling with the work, a shaft rotated by said rack, a moving member having translational movement proportional to the travel ofthe work, settable means representing distance values for arresting said moving member to stop said shaft and the work at a point in its travel for which said settable means are set.

80. A machine for punching structural shapes including in combination a member traveling with the shape, a rotary member connected thereto and rotating proportionally to the travel of the work, and means having translational travel for arresting said rotary member and the work at a desired point.

81. A machine for punching` structural shapes including in combination a member traveling with the shape, a rotary member connected thereto and rotating proportionately to the travel of the work and means 

